Why is Plan B prescribed?Plan B emergency contraceptive contraceptives are used to prevent pregnancy. Levonorgestrel is a female hormone. It works by preventing the release of eggs from the ovaries (ovulation) and changing the cervical mucus and the lining of the uterus. Plan B emergency contraceptive contraceptives are a very effective method of birth control, but they do not prevent the spread of AIDS and other sexually transmitted diseases.

How should Plan B be used?Plan B (Levonorgestrel) emergency contraceptive come as 2 tablets to take by mouth. Plan B is indicated for females having sexual intercourse occasionally. 1 tab within 24-72 hours after sexual intercourse and addtional 1 tab 12 hours after the 1st dose. Follow the directions on your prescription label carefully, and ask your doctor or pharmacist to explain any part you do not understand. Take Plan B (Levonorgestrel) contraceptives exactly as directed.

Before taking Plan B (Levonorgestrel) contraceptives, ask your pharmacist or doctor for a copy of the manufacturer's information for the patient and read it carefully.

What special precautions should I follow?Before taking Plan B (Levonorgestrel) contraceptives,

tell your doctor and pharmacist if you are allergic to progestins, aspirin, tartrazine (a yellow food coloring), or any other medications.

tell your doctor and pharmacist what prescription and nonprescription medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements, and herbal products you are taking. Be sure to mention any of the following: carbamazepine (Tegretol), phenobarbital (Luminal, Solfoton), phenytoin (Dilantin), and rifampin (Rifadin). Your doctor may need to change the doses of your medications or monitor you carefully for side effects.

tell your doctor if you have or have ever had breast lumps or breast cancer, vaginal bleeding between menstrual periods, liver tumors, liver disease, or diabetes.

tell your doctor if you are pregnant or plan to become pregnant. If you become pregnant while taking Levonorgestrel-only contraceptives, call your doctor.

tell your doctor if you use tobacco products. Cigarette smoking may increase the risk of heart attacks and strokes. You should not smoke while taking Plan B (Levonorgestrel).

What should I do if I forget a dose?Take the missed dose as soon as you remember it, and go back to taking Plan B (Levonorgestrel) contraceptives at your regular time. If you take a dose more than 3 hours late, be sure to use a backup method of birth control for the next 48 hours. If you are not sure what to do about the pills you have missed, keep taking Levonorgestrel-only contraceptives and use a backup method of birth control until you speak to your doctor.

What side effects can Plan B cause?Plan B (Levonorgestrel) contraceptives may cause side effects. Tell your doctor if any of these symptoms are severe or do not go away:

irregular menstrual periods

headache

breast pain

upset stomach

dizziness

acne

increased hair growth

Some side effects can be serious. The following symptoms are uncommon, but if you experience any of them, call your doctor immediately:

bleeding that lasts a long time

lack of menstrual periods

severe stomach pain

Combined estrogen and progestin oral contraceptives may increase the risk of getting breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and liver tumors. It is not known whether Plan B contraceptives also increase the risks of these conditions. Talk to your doctor about the risks of taking Plan B.

Plan B ontraceptives may cause other side effects. Call your doctor if you have any unusual problems while taking Plan B.

What storage conditions are needed for Plan B?Keep Plan B in the container it came in, tightly closed, and out of reach of children. Store it at room temperature and away from excess heat and moisture (not in the bathroom). Throw away any medication that is outdated or no longer needed. Talk to your pharmacist about the proper disposal of your medication.

What other information should I know?Keep all appointments with your doctor.

Before you have any laboratory tests, tell the laboratory personnel that you take Postinor contraceptives, as this medication may interfere with some laboratory tests.

Rarely, women can become pregnant even if they are taking oral contraceptives. You should get a pregnancy test if it has been more than 45 days since your last period or if your period is late and you missed one or more doses or took them late and had sex without a backup method of birth control.

If you want to become pregnant, stop taking progestin-only contraceptives. Progestin-only contraceptives should not delay your ability to get pregnant.

Do not let anyone else take your medication. Ask your pharmacist any questions you have about refilling your prescription.